England: Dorset

Golf Holidays in Dorset

Murray's summary:

Some of England's finest heathland golf and plenty to do in the seaside resorts of Bournemouth and Poole.

Birdies:

• Outstanding selection of heathland courses

• Lively Bournemouth or calmer (weekday) Poole

Bogeys:

• Weekends very busy

• Parking in town

Why go?

Easily reached from the London area or anywhere in southern England from Birmingham down, Dorset offers a one of the greatest densities of exceptional heathland courses to be found in the British Isles.

Accommodation wise there is something to suit most golfers from the nightlife of Bournemouth, the nautical air in Poole Quay or the quiet of the New Forest.

When to go?

Spring and Autumn are perfect - July and August are swamped with families on holiday on the beaches and in the New Forest, which creates a lot of traffic.

Being so easily accessible, weekends are often busy too, so plan your visit for midweek if you can and you will have a much easier time.

Where to stay?

If you want hectic seaside nightlife after your round Bournemouth is a big resort and although popular with retirees there are plenty of younger folk about as well only too happy to party into the wee small hours amongst Bournemouth's bars and clubs.

Poole merges into Bournemouth (it's hard to see the join) and is, in theory anyway, a smaller town and port. The most frequented area of Poole for holidaymakers is the quayside, which is still a very active port for merchant vessels, ferries and pleasure sailing. The quayside has been developed to provide plenty of refreshment options for tourists with a string of cafes and restaurants mixed in with the old pubs along the waterfront.

For a more peaceful golfing retreat consider the many hideaway hotels in the New Forest, a little further to drive to get to the golf courses but you are assured of a good night's sleep at weekends!

Parkstone

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Willie Park Jr. (1909)

MEN

Par:
72

LADIES

Par: 72

6,282 yd

SSS: 71

5,534 yd

SSS: 72

Tel: +44 (0)1202 707 138

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:
£5

Buggies:
Med

Min: £35

Max: £70

E-trolleys:
£10

Caddies:
No

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Dorset's crown jewel. Tucked away in the suburbs of Poole, almost hidden from view by rows of houses, Parkstone is well worth unearthing. The land that Wille Park had to work with was perfect for golf: gently rolling terrain with thick pine forest and deep purple heather. Skillfully (and thankfully) he added little and took nothing away, allowing the natural contours to dictate the holes, which as a result seem to form part of the landscape. A mixture of elevated and sunken Tees and Greens demand careful club selection but offer up some tantalising approach shots - and great views too. Parkstone is by no means an easy course and one that you learn the more you play; but also the kind of setting that you'll enjoy no matter how you play.
The course is an out-and-back design with a road to cross after the Third but it's no great bother.

Broadstone

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architects: Tom Dunn (1898) & H.S.Colt (1914)

MEN

Par:
70

LADIES

Par:
72

6,419 yd

SSS: 71

5,490 yd

SSS: 72

Tel: +44 (0)1202 642 524

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:
£5

Buggies: £30

Min: £36

Max: £68

E-trolleys:
£10

Caddies:
No

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Another course where the terrain has shaped the course rather than the other way around. The hills and slopes of Broadstone are more pronounced than elsewhere in Dorset and there are few clues to the treat in store as you unload your clus in the car park. After the level sea of heather that meets your eye from the First Tee, the course climbs into the woodland beyond, crossing streams and ponds, later opening out onto the broad plain above, with far reaching views. There is a good variety of holes at Broadstone, but the one that will stick in your memory is the tortuously deceptive Seventh which takes some serious deciphering (and trust of the yardages) from the Tee. With all of its twists and turns, Broadstone is the sort of course where you feel like you have travelled a long way around the countryside during your round.

Brokenhurst Manor

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Harry S. Colt (1919)

MEN

Par:
70

LADIES

Par:
72

6,222 yd

SSS: 70

5,616 yd

SSS: 73

Tel: +44 (0)1590 623 332

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:
£3

Buggies: £12*

Min: £35

Max: £67

E-trolleys:
£6

Caddies:
No

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

A very peaceful parkland layout in the very heart of the New Forerst, so as you might imagine dense forest lines nearly every Fairway, with outcrops of heather and bracken in the sunshine and wildlfie abounds. A traditional layout with strategic bunkering as you might expect from Harry Colt, Brokehnurst is a classic example of the timeless style of the master of English course design. The course has a few rises and falls around the course (but nothing serious) that have been cleverly incorporated into the design; in general it is easy walking all the way around.
Collectors of Ryder Cup memorabilia will be interested to know that the 1931 team had their final practice here (with the strange American sized ball) before setting sail for Sciotto Country Club.

*N.B. Hire buggies are of the single seat variety.

Ferndown

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Harold Hilton (1914)

MEN

Par: 71

LADIES

Par: 72

6,453 yd

SSS: 71

5,701 yd

SSS: 73

Tel: +44 (0)1202 653 950

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:
£3

Buggies:
£20

Min: £45

Max: £65

E-trolleys:
£8.50

Caddies:
No

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

A beautifully presented heathland course, albeit with plenty of specimen trees studding the course. A very gentle slope to the terrain that leads down away from the Clubhouse. The holes at Ferdnown are defined mainly by heather, suppported by avenues of pines to add some extra separation to the Fairways. Bunkering have been positioned intelligently with the emphasis on provoking a little thought before reaching automatically for your next club. Water crosses the course in a couple of places with some pretty bridgework that adds to the polished feel of Ferndown.
With a course that is not too strenuous to walk, a full-size nine-hole course and a fine Clubhouse, Ferndown makes a great venue for a full day out.

Isle of Purbeck

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Harry S. Colt (1892)

MEN

Par:
70

LADIES

Par:
73

6,295
yd

SSS: 71

5,582 yd

SSS: 73

Tel: +44 (0)1929 450 361

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:

Buggies:

Min: £41

Max: £49

E-trolleys:

Caddies:

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

A superb setting on Studland high above the port of Swanage and overlooking the Channel and the houses of Sandbanks (the most expensive land in the British Isles, apparently). The land is a protected National Park so there is very little that the Club can do in the way of course development and they are severly limited also in what they can use for maintennace (the shape of things to come?). Consequently the course has a very natural look and feel to it and an appearance that closely mirrors the seasons. The views are a bit special and purists are sure to love the natural feel that echoes times gone by.

To get to the Isle of Purbeck from the Bournemouth/Poole area the easiest route is the chain-ferry across from Sandbanks. A ten minute car ferry that costs a few pounds but saves a long slow drive around (albeit via the very impressive Corfe Castle).

Knighton Heath

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect:

MEN

Par:
70

LADIES

Par:
71

5,838 yds

SSS:
69

5,474 yds

SSS:
73

Tel: +44/0 1202 57 26 33

Green-fees 2012

Trolleys:
£5

Buggies:
£20

Min: £28

Max: £35

E-trolleys:
N/A

Caddies:
N/A

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

A long standing Member's club with a shortish but very entertaining course that runs over interesting terrain clad with heather, gorse and pines. The compact Clubhouse sits on top of a rounded hill with the majority of holes running along the brow of the hill and a few that fall away on each side creating some great views from Tees down to Fairways. The holes have been dictated by the natural contours of the landscape with little manmade intervention aside from clearing the Fairways of heather! Greens are small but excellent, so good play will be rewarded with makeable birdie chances; albeit well protected with sand and the occasional ditch too on the lower holes. A very playable course where Men won't have to be a big-hitter to score well, conversely a tougher test for Ladies. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the Clubhouse.

Canford Magna - Riverside

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect:

MEN

Par:
70

LADIES

Par:
71

6,173 yds

SSS:
69

5,302 yds

SSS:
70

Tel: +44/0 1202 59 25 52

Green-fees 2012

Trolleys:
£

Buggies:

Min: £25

Max: £30

E-trolleys:
£

Caddies:

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Canford Magna is a large golf complex with 45 holes and a big driving range with academy facilities. The overall feel is modern and commercial (so you can get a game at weekends), however the Club does have an active Membership and the courses are very well looked after. Clubhouse looks rather rustic externally but does its job well.
The Riverside course is a flat expanse of land that, as the name suggests, runs alongside the river Stour, with water in play on nearly every hole. The course is laid out on the river's flood plain, consequently not over populated with trees and can be damp underfoot after rain. Where the front nine winds inland away from the river there is some woodland to contend with along with plenty of small lakes and ponds: the back nine runs alongside the river and back in almost links style and is the more testing half.

Canford Magna - Parkland

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect:

MEN

Par:
71

LADIES

Par:
72

6,560 yds

SSS:
71

5,447 yds

SSS:
71

Tel: +44/0 1202 59 25 52

Green-fees 2012

Trolleys:
£

Buggies:

Min: £25

Max: £30

E-trolleys:
£

Caddies:

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Another course in the modern "US" style, where holes have been shaped between the existing trees and new plantings with generous use of sand and two medium sized lakes as there were few natural contours here to work with. Overall the Parkland is on the slightly higher and drier ground than the Riverside, so play here if it's been wet recently. The back nine does have a very moderate rise and fall to it but nothing that you would really describe as a hill. Greens are large, usually quite fast and with plenty of breaks to decipher. Enjoyable, good value golf in an open quiet setting.

Dudsbury

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Donald Steel

MEN

Par:
71

LADIES

Par:
73

6,606 yds

SSS: 72

5,826 yds

SSS:
74

Tel: +44/0 1202 59 34 99

Green-fees 2012

Trolleys:
£5

Buggies:
£25

Min: £30

Max: £38

E-trolleys:
N/A

Caddies: N/A

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Dudsbury sits on top of quite a pronounced hill with the course falling away in front of it and returning at nine and eighteen, so quite a strenuous round, up and down to the Clubhouse; a buggy maybe worth considering. A modern style course with big fast Greens, plenty of large bunkers on the higher sections and some large water features (both natural and manmade) on the lower parts of the course, which has the better holes albeit some quite similar in design. A significant number of trees have also been added to boost the natural woodland and look out for elaborate blue duck houses on the lakes. The course is a tough test that big hitters will enjoy, particularly if you are allowed to play from the back Tees.

Dudsbury now has an hotel on-site so residential golf trips are a possibility, review to follow.

Meyrick Park

Course:

Condition:

Clubhouse:

Architect: Sir Henry Cotton (1924)

MEN

Par:

LADIES

Par:

yds

SSS:

yds

SSS:

Tel: +44/0

Green-fees 2010

Trolleys:
£

Buggies:

Min: £

Max: £

E-trolleys:
£

Caddies:

Murray's member discount: TBC

Murray's word

Just a mile form the centre of Bournemouth, Meyrick Park dates frpm 1894, making it the oldest Public golf course in England. The land that the course is built on has plenty of slopes, twists and turns and Henry Cotton used these imaginatively to create interesting holes with a very natural, almost "cross-country" feel amongst the forest and heathland. There are a few quirky corners, even the odd blind shot, which some may not appreciate but approached in the right spirit it all adds to the fun. As a Municipal course, Green-fees are cheap and although on-course attire may not be up to private club dress codes, the regulars are proud of their local course and in general play is not too slow and course maintenance is pretty good. Tiny Pro-shop and a simplel Clubhouse complete the set-up. There is also a Lodge on-site with twelve bedrooms, which we shall return to review shortly.

Hotel du Vin**** - Poole

2013 room rates (std) per person including breakfast

Twin or Double:

Min: £55

Max: £95

Single:

Min: £110

Max: £175

Tel: +44/0 1202 78 55 70

Location: Town

Pool: No

Restaurant: Yes

On course: No

Spa: No

Golf bookings: No

Murray's Member discount: 10%

Murray's Word

A delightful boutique hotel just off Poole Quay that offers very comfortable accommodation with a slightly nautical leaning, superb service, plus excellent food and wine too. Bedrooms are furnished to a very high standard and have nice little extras such as espresso machines and DVD players; half of the rooms are in the main building the remainder in the wings that extend around the central courtyard car park and patio garden. Larger "open-plan" rooms are available if you would like extra space. The hotel's Bistro and bar is found downstairs and provides outstanding cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere plus an impressive wine list, as you might imagine. Alongside the bar you will find two unexpected bonuses: a dedicated wine-tasting cellar (tastings can be arranged for small parties) and the "Crow's Nest" - a semi-secret hideout reminiscent of a London Club room. A perfect choice for gourmet golfers.

Bedrooms

Leisure

Services

Mini-bar

No

Indoor Pool

No

Breakfast

Full service

Tea & Coffee

Yes

Outdoor Pool

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hairdryer

Yes

Spa

No

Garage

No

Air conditioning

Yes

Gym

No

Parking

Yes

TV

Yes

Sauna

No

Lift (Elevator)

No

Pay TV

Yes

Hammam

No

Room Service

Yes

In-room Safe

Yes

Massages

No

24hr Concierge

Yes

Iron

Yes

Beauty treatments

No

Golf bookings

No

Trouser Press

No

Bedding

Duvet

Wi-Fi

Free

Connaught Hotel*** - Bournemouth

2013 room rates per person

Twin or Double:

Min: £45

Max: £70

Single:

Min: £65

Max: £90

Tel: +44/0 1202 29 80 20

Location: Town

Pool: Indoor

Restaurant: Yes

On course: No

Spa: Yes

Golf bookings: Yes

Murray's Member discount: 10%

Murray's Word

The Connaught is well-positioned in central Bournemouth and offers a very high standard of accommodation and dining at sensible prices. You will find bedrooms that are decorated and furnished with a refreshing modern touch, some have small balconies. There are Executive rooms and a couple of Suites too; plus additional bedrooms in the Connaught Lodge, a separate building across the car-park. Lunches are served in either of the two bar areas that extend around from conservatory style at the front of the hotel to indoor intimacy beside the restaurant. "Blakes" restaurant is in many ways the pride of the hotel with its pair of well deserved AA rosettes. Downstairs there is a surprisingly large pool with various gym options plus sauna and steam room; spa treatments are also available. Another boon is free car-parking, although bays are quite narrow. An excellent Bournemouth base for golfers.

Bedrooms

Leisure

Services

Mini-bar

No

Indoor Pool

Yes

Breakfast

English

Tea & Coffee

Yes

Outdoor Pool

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hairdryer

Yes

Spa

Yes

Garage

No

Air conditioning

No

Gym

Yes

Parking

Yes

TV

Yes

Sauna

Yes

Lift/Elevator

Yes

Pay TV

No

Hammam

Yes

Room Service

Yes

Safe

At Reception

Massages

Fee

24hr Concierge

Yes

Iron & Board

On request

Beauty treatments

Fee

Wi-Fi

Free

Trouser Press

No

Bedding

Duvet

Golf bookings

No

Norfolk Royale Hotel**** - Bournemouth

2012 room rates (std) per person

Twin or Double:

Min: £75

Max: £100

Single:

Min: £100

Max: £120

Tel: +44/0 1202 55 15 21

Location: Town

Pool: Yes

Restaurant: Yes

On course: No

Spa: Yes

Golf bookings: No

Murray's Member discount: TBC

Murray's Word

It would be difficult to find a more central hotel than the bright pink Norfolk Royale, one of Bournemouth's originals and right in the very heart of the action, with "The Triangle" on your doorstep. Inside the hotel is furnished in a traditional style, studded leather armchairs and sofas adorn the lobby and sitting rooms. Bedroomsm are in the same vein - although nothing is more than a year or two old, so by no means a crusty old seaside hotel! In amongst the several lounge areas there is a small bar serving drinks or Afternoon Tea. By contrast the restaurant is quite contemporary in style under its vaulted glass ceiling. To the rear of the hotel is a small garden and a small swimming pool with jacuzzi under a glass roof. One of the great advantages of the hotel is its underground car park - a real plus in Bournemouth! A good quality hotel near all of the nightlife and entertainment in town.

Bedrooms

Leisure

Services

Mini-bar

No

Indoor Pool

Yes

Breakfast

English

Tea & Coffee

Yes

Outdoor Pool

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hairdryer

Yes

Spa

Yes

Garage

Yes

Air conditioning

No

Gym

Yes

Parking

No

TV

Yes

Sauna

Yes

Lift/Elevator

Yes

Pay TV

No

Hammam

Yes

Room Service

Yes

Safe

At Reception

Massages

Fee

24hr Concierge

Yes

Iron & Board

On request

Beauty treatments

Fee

Wi-Fi

Free

Trouser Press

No

Bedding

Duvet

Golf bookings

No

Thistle Poole***

2013 room rates per person including breakfast

Twin or Double:

Min: £35

Max: £70

Single:

Min: £55

Max: £110

Tel: +44/0 871 376 9032

Location: Town

Pool: No

Restaurant: Yes

On course: No

Spa: No

Golf bookings: No

Murray's Member discount: 10% (*see text)

Murray's Word

The Poole Thistle hotel offers reliable accommodation, with plenty of parking in a great location at one end of Poole Quay. The hotel sits right beside the new waterfront development with its bars and restaurants, the more traditional end of the quay is just the other side. Bedrooms are comfortable with a few little extras such as air-conditioning, large flat screen TV's and uniquely a small pair of binoculars if you have a sea facing room. There is a small bar on the ground floor with a little patio area; on the first floor the restaurant and lounge bar is open most evenings unless there is a function on (the hotel is popular for weddings). The car park behind the hotel is large and very convenient as parking in Poole is tricky. A good base from which to enjoy all the delights of Poole.*To obtain your 10% discount, just enter the following discount code on the Thistle website: 3721844.

Bedrooms

Leisure

Services

Mini-bar

No

Indoor Pool

No

Breakfast

English

Tea & Coffee

Yes

Outdoor Pool

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hairdryer

Yes

Spa

No

Garage

No

Air conditioning

Yes

Gym

No

Parking

Yes

TV

Yes

Sauna

No

Lift (Elevator)

Yes

Pay TV

No

Hammam

No

Room Service

No

In-room Safe

No

Massages

No

24hr Concierge

No

Iron

Yes

Beauty treatments

No

Wi-Fi

Fee

Trouser Press

No

Bedding

Duvet

Golf bookings

No

Bonnington Beach Hotel** - Bournemouth

2012 room rates per person including breakfast

Twin or Double:

Min: £20

Max: £50

Single:

Min: £35

Max: £60

Tel: +44/01202 553621

Location: Town

Pool: See below

Restaurant: Yes

On course: No

Spa: See below

Golf bookings: No

Murray's Member discount: TBC

Murray's Word

If the Bonnington Beach isn't the funkiest little hotel in Bournemouth we'd like to know what is! The plain white exterior is very deceptive as inside teh place is a riot of colour and avant-garde furniture. Bedrooms are fairly small but comfortable, there is a sitting room with violet walls, bean bags and a giant plasma screen, the breakfast room/diner is awash with colour too, the cosy little bar beside the Reception desk is full of sound and complete with a glitter ball too. A fun place to stay and a refreshing change to the more frumpy B&Bs on offer.
An unexpected bonus is guests may use the pool and spa at the Marriott hotel just down the road.

Bedrooms

Leisure

Services

Mini-bar

No

Indoor Pool

See text

Breakfast

English

Tea & Coffee

Yes

Outdoor Pool

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hairdryer

Yes

Spa

See text

Garage

No

Air conditioning

No

Gym

See text

Parking

Yes

TV

Yes

Sauna

See text

Lift/Elevator

No

Pay TV

No

Hammam

See text

Room Service

No

Safe

At Reception

Massages

See text

24hr Concierge

No

Iron & Board

On request

Beauty treatments

See text

Wi-Fi

Free

Trouser Press

No

Bedding

Duvet

Golf bookings

No

What to do: where to eat and drink.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth offers "all the fun of the fair" with its sandy beaches, pier, amusement arcades, candy floss and variety of entertainers appearing at the Winter Gardens. There is plenty going on both day and night!

Most of the town lies in a gorge in the chalk cliffs (known as a chine) that opens out onto the beach beside the pier. Lots of the hotels are strung out on the cliffs to the West and East of the chine, most are within ten minutes walk of the central shopping area known as "The Triangle".

Dining out in Bournemouth

Bournemouth has a huge selection of eating establishments ranging from simple cafes, fish 'n' chip shops, all the major chain restaurants, hotel restaurants and some good little independents too. Strolling from your hotel into town you will pass many options.

Poole

Poole has a strong nautical and naval tradition, the Marines still have a seabase here and there are always plenty of yachts in the harbour to admire. If you wanted to venture out to sea on one day trips can be arranged at one of the many kiosks along the quayside; likewise for full or half day fishing trips.

Behind the quayside are a few narrow medieval streets that connect onto the main High Street, whereas at the other end of the quay is a more modern waterside development. Poole is a fine town for leisurely strolling.

Be aware that on Tuesday evenings there is a weekly motorcylce rally, which can break the silence...

Dining out in Poole

For a small town Poole has a surprising number of places to eat. Some of the best fish, simply served, is to be found in the old pubs along the front, the Poole Arms with its unmissable green tiled frontage is a good place to start. For finer dining the bistro at the Hotel du Vin (01202 78 55 70) is one of the best; down at the other end of town Fishy Fishy (01202 68 07 93) has a great atmosphere. On the High Street there are half-a-dozen restaurants side-by-side, one of the best is Storm (01202 67 49 70) a small establishment so best to book.

What to see and do?

All along the south coast there are pretty seaside villages with sandy beaches and chalky cliffs to the East; to the West the "Jurassic Coast" begins with its darker reddish-brown geology.

Or for a short stroll before dinner Bournemouth Lower Gardens are convenient, with perhaps a ride in the hot-air balloon?

The New Forest has a network with all of its walks and bicycle tracks.

Corfe Castle on the way around to the Isle of PurbeckHeading around to Swanage you will pass by Corfe Castle a very impressive and well preserved ruin.

Getting to Dorset

Flights

Southampton airport has many flights across Europe with Flybe, although with their small aircraft they are not the most golfer-friendly airline.

Gatwick airport, south of London, is about two hours away and has flights from all across the globe.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the airline's website to book your flights.

Hire cars

Probably the most flexible way to get around during your visit. Both airports offer the full range of hire-car companies: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt et cetera, whose contact details are shown opposite (if you have not already been offered a hire-car by your airline when you booked your flights!).

Holiday Autos offer a 10% discount to Murray's Members off their already low rates. Simply click on their logo opposite to be taken to their specially discounted website.

Chauffeur driven cars, minibuses and coaches

Local Agencies

If you would prefer to leave the driving to somebody else then there are a number of local companies who will take care of all you transfer arrangements.